Your comments: Officials to announce N.J.'s third safe-surrender program in Somerset County

Noah Addis/The Star-LedgerStacy Northrop, left, and her mother Barbara Smith, right, pose for a portrait at Smith's home in Penns Grove, N.J.

New Jersey's third safe-surrender program, held annually since 2008, will be held from Nov. 3-6 at the First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens. The program allows people with outstanding warrants of any kind to turn themselves in to law enforcement with little risk of jail time. Authorities, who tout the program as a safe and cost-effective method for bringing in fugitives, hope to attract 2,500 people this year. More than 4,000 surrendered when the program was held in Newark in 2009.

Standing with the state's top law enforcement officials to announce this year's program is Stacy Northrop. She is among those who surrendered at the inaugural program in 2008. Northrop had outstanding warrants for drug possession, theft and loitering; she says that having her warrants cleared (she paid $7,000 in fines and restitution) put her on the road to addiction treatment and employment.

Steve, you are certainly entitled to your own opinion. But I am the person that the article is about. I am thankful for people who are forgiving. Im not saying that all people will use this as an avenue for change, but for me it was the catalyst for a new life. I pray that at some point in your life, if you ever are faced with a hardship, obstacle, or loss, someone is able and willing to help you. No man is an island Mr. Steve, and at some point we all need someone. I dont know you, but even though you think i should have been discarded by society, if ever placed in society to help you, Id be more than willing. Think about it before you judge. Even HUMANS WITH GOD COMPLEXES ARE FACED ONE DAY WITH THEIR OWN LIMITATIONS. I pray for you and others like you, who have stand in judgement of others. Be blessed!

Will Stacy Northrop's success story be the exception or the rule for the safe-surrender program? Visit the comments section to post your take.